There is no denying the scorching humid heat that comes to Israel each summer, but staying cool doesn’t have to cost a thing. Some of the best activities and events to take part in are free. Whether you want to splash in Israel’s cool northern streams, bask in a cold air-conditioned museum or just enjoy the Mediterranean sun, we’ve got all the details for you here.
Folk dancing
It might be hot out, but that shouldn’t stop you from dancing the night away at Jerusalem’s first station. The weekly event invites anyone with a passion for folk dancing, no matter your age or experience level. Be prepared to learn from some of the best instructors in Jerusalem.
First Station, 4 David Remez St, Jerusalem. Every Sunday 20:00- 23:00
Nachalat Binyamin arts and crafts fair
Just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the Carmel Market, a different sort of market opens every Tuesday and Friday afternoon on Nachalat Binyamin. With a cold drink in hand, head down the quiet, sunlit street past dozens of stands selling handmade, artisanal jewelry, crafts, and domestic goods. The products themselves tend to be a bit expensive, but a carefree afternoon of strolling through the wide array of beautiful items—from decorative cactuses to high-end Judaica and even miniature ceramic food—is a priceless experience.
Nachalat Binyamin. Every Tuesday and Friday until dusk
Opera in the park
Music aficionados don’t have to spend a shekel to witness some of the most lauded opera performances. Every Wednesday throughout the month of August, opera shows will take place in the newly renovated Levant Fairground next to Tel Aviv’s Port. Come early to find a space and indulge in a homemade picnic before the show.
Performances begin at 21:00 and will last one hour
Free Wi-Fi
It’s not exactly an activity, but it's certainly free and a major plus of visiting Tel Aviv. The city recently became one of the first in the world to offer free Wi-Fi to everyone located within the city limits. Tel Aviv is already known as one of the world’s leading tech hubs, and with many global tech giants setting up shop here, this is just another move in the right direction.
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Read on the Street
Stroll down Rothschild Boulevard and visit Tel Aviv’s first street library. Hundreds of books in five languages (Hebrew, English, French, Russian, and Arabic) await literature-lovers of all ages, and the library stays open 12 hours a day. Bring a beach towel and snack, and read at your leisure. You can also donate your retired paperbacks.
140 Rothschild Blvd. Everyday 07:00 to 19:00
Masada Street, Haifa
Masada street lies in the vibrant, alternative section of Haifa’s Hadar neighborhood. There are often impromptu street performances and parties, but the real allure is the colorful street art that zig zags throughout the area’s walls and alleys. Grab an ice coffee from one of the local cafes and roam, admiring all the local art.
Old Tiberias Walking Tour
It may be hot outside, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking in the magnificent serenity that is Old Tiberias. Every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, a walking group leaves from the Tiberias Tourist Information Center. In addition, the Tiberias Hotel Association offers free Saturday morning walking tours revealing the history behind the walled Ottoman city to today’s contemporary hotel industry. Book in advance.
Tiberias Tourist Information Center (04-6725666). The Tiberias Hotel Association (04-6724549)
Ma’arat Hateumim (a.k.a. The Bat Cave)
Take a lesson from the bats and avoid the intense heat at Ma’arat Hateumim, commonly known as the Bat Cave. True to its name, the Bat Cave is home to four species of bats that can often be seen sleeping upside down, up above. The first level of the cave, entered after a descent down some steps, is a spacious hall full of stalactites and stalagmites while another staircase takes you to the pool of spring water. It’s a colossal black cave so bring a flashlight for extra guidance.
Located about 20 miles from Jerusalem in the suburban community of Beit Shemesh. Contact the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel at teva.org.il
Tel Aviv Walking Tour
If you are one of those people who loves tours but balk at doing one in the middle of a sunny August day, then look no further than the Tel Aviv By Night Tour. The free walking tour, offered every Tuesday, takes you on a journey through the city that never sleeps. It will also keep you up to date on the hottest nightclub spots in the city.
Info and reservations: 03-5166188
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Teddy Park
Teddy Park offers Jerusalem visitors the perfect summer escape. The featured attraction is the magnificent Hassenfeld Family Fountain, complete with recycled water, light and sound. During the day, the park is a splash haven for kids to cool off, while at night, it’s the perfect spot to watch an elaborate, breathtaking performance, on par with the likes of the Barcelona Magic Fountain and the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.
The park is open 7 days a week, from 7:00 to 23:00; Daytime fountain shows (water only) at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00; Evening fountain shows (light, music and water) at 20:00, 21:00, 22:00
Watching turtles at Nahal Alexander National Park
Nahal Alexander (Alexander Stream), flowing from the mountains of Samaria to the Mediterranean Sea, is a wondrous National Park and a charming natural area also home to various agricultural fields. In the area, visit Kedem Park, which has beautiful recreational areas shaded by orchard trees. This peaceful nature sanctuary with paths for leisurely hikes and tons of flatlands for picnics is the ideal place to get away from the noise of everyday life and bask in the serenity of nature. But wait, there's more! The area’s real allure is the Turtle Park and Bridge, which is home to one of the largest soft shell turtle populations in Israel. The impressively sized creatures can be seen swimming and playing. This is definitely a family-friendly setting, equipped with various sprawling spaces. A car is recommended for transport.
Stargazing in Mitzpe Ramon
Welcome to nature’s planetarium! Stargazing at Mitzpe Ramon, known as the Grand Canyon of Israel, will impress even the most professional astronomer. Located pretty much in the middle of nowhere, situated on a ridge at an elevation of 860 meters (2,800 feet), Mitzpe Ramon overlooks the Ramon Crater, an extraordinary natural phenomenon, unparalleled in the world. With very little pollution or lights, Mitzpe Ramon offers possibly the brightest stars you have ever seen. We suggest camping along the edge of the red-rimmed crater with a book on constellations handy. The sky is bound to be clear.
From the north, take a bus to Beersheba, and then take bus 60 another 80 km south to Mitzpe Ramon. From the south, there are direct buses from Eilat throughout the day
Tiberium Water Show
Located on the banks of the Kinneret, the Tiberium Water Show is a fantastic multisensory fountain performance. Don’t think for a second that you’ll just be seeing water from the ground. The show is an extraordinary mix of rhythmic sounds, advanced lighting, and wild pyrotechnics. So far, four different shows have been designed to show the history and culture of the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Southern end of Yigal Alon Promenade. Fifteen minutes long at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00
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Hike Zahki Trail
Don’t let the word hike scare you on a hot day because this adventure is the epitome of refreshing. Throughout the majority of the trail, you’ll be knee deep in the cool, clear Meshushim stream. The hike is family-friendly – but wear sturdy shoes, bring a bathing suit and leave your phone in the car!
North end of the Kinneret. Follow the green signs
Sironit Beach
Have you ever taken an elevator to get to the beach? You can do just that on the southern coast of Netanya. Sironit beach offers long white sands, the cool Mediterranean sea, and a 20-second trip from the city center to the seashore in a glass-walled elevator. You won’t just have a great day of splashing around, but also wonderful vistas of the entire area.
Egged bus #3 from Netanya will take you from the beach all summer long. Opens at 06:30 and closes half an hour before sunset (netanya.muni.il/Eng)